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Ophthalmologist (MD)

Occupation Information table
Overview: Ophthalmologists diagnose & treat diseases & injuries of eyes. They measure loss of vision & prescribe glasses or contact lenses. They perform surgery to remove eye tumors, cataracts, and correct muscle problems. They make extensive use of equipment to measure eye functions.
Duties: Ophthalmologists prescribe and treat diseases, injuries and vision problems of patients. Make use of instruments to measure visual acuity, visual deficiencies and eye abnormalties.

They prescribe the corrective lens specifications for eye glasses and contact lens that will correct vision problems. They determine whether contact lenses are appropriate for the patient.

They conduct surgery to remove tumors or foreign substances from the eye. Remove cataracts and correct eye muscle problems. May use laser beams in surgery.

Diagnose the causes of eye infection by observation of patient symptoms and laboratory testing. They prescribe medication and treatments such as heat to kill bacteria and microbes.
Degree(s): A.S. Health Sciences 
A.S. Liberal Arts and Sciences (Mathematics and Science) 
Job Outlook: Employment in this field is projected to grow 14% or higher from 2018 to 2028, which is much faster than the average projected growth for all occupations.
Salary Range (National Average): $115,000 to $130,000
Growth: Growth
Education Level: This occupation generally requires an advanced degree (e.g. Ph.D.). The typical commitment is a minimum of 3 years of study beyond a Bachelor’s or Master’s Degree.
Additional Training/Education: All states require ophthalmologists to be licensed. Licensing involves graduation from a medical school (usually 4 years), passing an examination, and up to 7 years of "residency" graduate medical training in ophthalmology. The minimum educational requirement for acceptance to most medical schools is 3 years of college study.
Recommended Skills:
  • Weighing out the options in a situation or a problem and logically choosing the best course of action.
  • Identifying the most appropriate equipment and tools needed to get a job done.
  • Actively looking for ways to help people.
  • Paying attention to what other people are saying, and taking time to understand the points being made.
  • Using your hands to operated fine instruments and precision tools.
  • Being aware of the reactions of others, and understanding why they react the way they do.
  • Ability to identify a problem, review related information, develop and evaluate options, and implement a solution.
  • The ability to understand complex written paragraphs, instructions, or reports.
  • Using logic to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Talking, giving speeches, or speaking in a group to convey information, explain ideas, or give instructions.
  • Teaching others how to do something.
  • Analyzing the symptoms of a problem and deciding what actions should be taken to resolve the problem.
Recommended Values:
  • Gaining the respect of others by the nature and/or level of responsibility of your work.
  • Having a level of income that will afford you with luxuries, and which will allow you to become financially independent.
  • Being able to decide on how to get something done without significant direction from someone else.
  • Being involved in helping other people in a direct way either individually or in a small group.
 

* National data collected by the Department of Labor in 2014 with projections through 2024. For New York green job information .

* For New York salary data information .

* For New York green job information .

Understanding acquiring positions in this field may be enhanced through continuing academic study (i.e. earning a baccalaureate or a master's degree) and/or work experience in the field, Queensborough Community College has established transfer agreements with other institutions for students who wish to further pursue their educational goals. Students are highly encouraged to meet with one of our Career Services to fully understand the opportunities available through study in their degree program.